MATTHEW BOULTON DEATH MEDAL

This is a very rare original bronze medal by G F Pidgeon, struck in 1819 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Matthew Boulton, this example having an edge inscribed by Boulton's son Matthew Robinson Boulton, presenting the medal to a friend of his father. The obverse bears a fine portrait bust (after P Rouw) of Matthew Boulton facing right, his head bare, hair tied behind, wearing a jacket and a lace-frilled shirt, inscribed above MATTHAEVS BOVLTON. The reverse bears an inscription in latin within an open wreath, which translates as AND THOSE WHO HAVE ENRICHED LIFE BY DISCOVERING ARTS [a quote from Virgil's Aenid VI, 663]. Most examples of this medal have a plain edge, however, this example of the medal is particularly rare:- the edge being stamped with incuse lettering PATRIS AMICIS M.R.B. MDCCCXVIIII [translates as MATTHEW ROBINSON BOULTON DEDICATES THIS TO THE FRIENDS OF HIS FATHER, 1819].

A very fine and rare medal in superb condition. For reference, see British Historical Medals, number 976, which states "Some specimens have an edge inscription in impressed capitals [as above]. These are very much rarer than those specimens with a plain edge. The letters M.R.B. in this legend are the initials of Boulton's son and successor Matthew Robinson Boulton, who issued the medal."